Keyser Söze

This is exactly how it should play out... but the timing is everything and the media is fickle... lucky for Bailey's sake I am confident that the club is not.

Hawthorn is responsible for footing the bill for the cost of entry of their members, just as we would be when we have a replacement game for one of our home matches in NT, or Carrara in the past. Nothing to worry about, we will be reimbursed.

Not sure about the video you're on about, but I agree a simply banner with just "Wara" or "Jurrah Wara" would be best. Its a homage to him and his heritage. No need to complicate things.

Obviously its tough, but it does happen in EPL. You can start by preventing anyone from buying tickets in that name, or from owning a membership. Might not be foolproof, but there are ways.

I thought about that too, but "Pause" isn't exactly a catchy nickname... but I'm warming to it. Imagine him kicking a goal at the G and the crowd roars "PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEE!!!" Kinda like the "Moons" chant for Mooney... not sure if its right though. Being a teammate of his you could never call "Pause! Pause! Pause!" for the footy... or could you?

Watching the Draftees being unveiled video for the first time and even Bailey refers to Gysberts as Gizza. Done & dusted.

Yeah, I was just making a general joke about being patronising. Shut it down...

Do you think? I wouldn't be happy at all. I'm adamant I didn't want him and I think many are the same. I think if we did end up with Ball, we would not be making the same statements, but its in that scenario that we'd be experiencing the denial you are alluding to...

I don't know, I think he managed to do it quite well after only a week... (not that it was necessarily correct HT)

Panos won't be anything near as good as Bate. Stop underselling Bate. Panos doesn't even have red hair! I'm being serious except for the red hair thing. Panos is not an AFL player. I'd rather Jason Cloke.

*cough* Grimes

You think? I don't think he'll get much bigger at all, in fact once our fitness coaches get onto him he might slim down a little.

fantastic idea, I love it.

Nailed it.

Be careful you don't undersell Matthew Bate. Why is it that so many supporters fail to recognize that Bate is actually a decent player?

I know, but it should've been corrected early on, and his injuries exacerbated it. He has over the course of his career shown many flashes and its only in the last year he's started to bring consistent performances. I agree, he has much to prove, but he was still a good selection and has loads of talent, whether he shows it consistently or not.

Good idea. I'm well onto that, ordering them right now. I'm a big fan of making any opposition supporter I know either hate MFC or adopt them as a 2nd team. I want us to be relevant rather than just making up the numbers, as I see North, Freo, Doggies, etc. I want teams to love beating us and hate losing to us. Works for Collingwood. Its all good for promoting the club.

He's very much on my mind and I really want to get a lot of games into him this year. I see him as being a shorter Steve Johnson for us in the future: first class delivery to the forwards and capable of jagging goals from anywhere. Last year I watched him closely and I think he made good decisions, but wasn't assertive enough, partly due to his build. Hopefully in 2010 he can significantly build on that (his game, his engine and his frame).

I've actually been quietly concerned about Tapscott's height... but having just checked, Paul Chapman is a cm shorter. Tapscott being only 18 could even grow another cm or 2 at this stage. Better get him practicing his overhead marking...

I do see where you are going, but I have to ask... Who cares anymore? We used his situation to effectively maximize our media presence in the months leading up to the draft. Opposition supporters would've been sick of reading about us - god knows I was. I'm happy to forget it and move on. You can keep sharpening your axe if you like...

I agree, but I think a lot of his not coming along can be attributed to his injuries and subsequent worsening of attitude. Talent has never been a problem of his. Assuming the other 2 factors remain as they were last season I think he'll be one of our most valuable assets.

But who gets squeezed out to allow them in? I have the feeling it is someone like Jetta which is a shame cos he was quite good at the end of 2009 season. Its almost a case of needing to get games in to too many players and just not enough spots. What a great headache to have.

I'd expect an ex-player / coach / anyone affiliated with a club to be more biased. And a lot of the media who were formerly players or coaches are often ridiculed because of their opinions. I wouldn't value one more than the other.

Scully and Trengove only, or 1 of the 2. Both will be good enough to go from Round 1 and at least one will or else questions will be asked, it'll be a PR disaster and many people will be scratching their heads. Ok, maybe an exaggeration. Gawn & Fitzpatrick definitely not. I think they'll be lucky to get a game this year, but may get one to help development. Gysberts would be capable but too light at the beginning of the season, although he will get a taste towards the end of the year. Tapscott will be capable and will play early on in the season, but it will take him longer to earn a spot than Bones or JT. Edit: Forgot Blease. He also will play early. Not sure about Round 1. I guess it depends on his recovery from the leg injury. If he's 100% I'd back him to get a game in the first 3 matches. Strauss to take a bit longer.

Wayne Hughes pretty much said the same thing today in the Hun when justifying Carlton's pick of Lucas over a KPP, so I'd say you're in... uh... informed company. Can't say 'good' though.